If you developed melas a during/shortly after pregnancy...

[mycatlikestwiglets]

did it go away eventually? DD is nearly 9mo and a bit of sun exposure has revealed that I have really patchy melasma on my forehead and what looks like a freakin' moustache . Am I destined for a future of people waving tache removal products at me or is there hope for it to disappear naturally?

Ah crap that should say melasma. Bloody iPad and bloody mnet inability to edit thread title

I got it in pregnancy, DD was an autumn baby, so the summer before. I immediately slapped on Anthelios 50+ every morning, and it stopped it getting worse. And then at some point after she was born, fairly soon after, it went away - though that was deepest winter so it seemed to fade like summer freckles do.

You need to be religious about SPF on your face now. Religious.

You totally have my sympathy, I've just posted the same thing although I have no idea of the trigger. Just why oh why does it pick your upper lip..bad times..

I had the tache too! it's where your face catches the sun. Slather on the SPF and buy a wide brimmed hat - it won't reverse it, but it will stop it getting worse.

Thanks all, I have a moisturiser with high SPF but probably didn't usually put it on my upper lip. Will definitely be using additional SPF now . I could cope with the forehead as it just looks tanned unless you look closely but a tache is never a good look. Did yours fade away eventually rootypig?

Sympathies to you too Tiredgal12, it totally sucks.

yes mine faded totally post birth (which was winter), but once you have had melasma (did you notice anything in pregnancy?) it is always more likely to return. Moisturiser with spf isn't going to cut it, tbh, buy a broad spectrum spf50+ (eg Avene or La Roche Posay) and use generously and religiously. Even when avoiding the sun. Prevention is so so much better than cure.

I didn't really notice anything during pregnancy but then I didn't spend much time in the sun as I was heavily pregnant last summer and uncomfortable in the heat. I'm pretty tanned atm after a holiday abroad and the recent good weather so it definitely seems to have been triggered/exacerbated by the sun - I'm guessing the hormonal changes from stopping bf DD a few weeks ago and AF returning could have something to do with it too.

Decent SPF is on my shopping list.

Sorry to say MyCat ,but mine never went away
I had quite bad pigmentation anyway as Im quite olive skinned but after two pregnancies mine is like dirty patches all over my forehead ,cheeks and my top lip area too
I wear factor 50 on my face then all I can do now is try to conceal the patches
I use Veil Cover cream ,it's like a medical strength concealer specifically for skin conditions
Really wish there was a miracle cure as I wish I didn't need to wear the thick make up daily especially in this heat !

I got it in two streaks from my eyes down over the curve of my cheek bones, like when you cry. Awful. Bought a spf to use as well as moisturiser spf. Had a summer baby. And tbh it faded away without my noticing it...

Hmm, so it might go away if I'm lucky but might not. I've found some retinol cream I had hidden away so might try that as I've read it can help. Also considering a peel if it doesn't fade in the next few weeks. Have you thought about trying that LoadsABlusher?

Mine didn't go away I'm afraid

Sometimes it does fade, but sometimes not. I've used Estée Lauder double wear camouflage on my bit, and they've brought out a summer version with 30spf which is great.

Ok update from me that you may find helpful. I feel like it's a miracle so have to share...

In my distress I ran to the mac counter today to try and find a cover up. Well concealer (no matter how 'good') just doesn't cut it but the v helpful mua put a bright pink lip liner over the spot and then concealed - miracle!! You can tell I've got concealer on but versus the tash - I'm in! It seems to neutralise the dark enabling the concealer to cover.

Yes would definetely consider a peel or lasers if it could be guaranteed to work ... I dream of unblemished skin !

Mine never went away. I hate it and spend a fortune on concealers and factor 50.

not gone away (yet) and dc is 4.
it's ok late in summer when it looks more even but the first rays of sun makes me look like a racoon, just not as cute.

I have it too. It fades in winter thanks to miracle cream but first bit of sunshine on my face and it's back.
Good base on face and matte foundation really help. Also no7 at boots do a good facial sun lotion which I use religiously now.

Peels etc don't work, a friend of mine has spent a fortune to no avail

The "dark spot remover" creams didnt work for me either. I really really hate it but try not to think of it too much, Im pretty relaxed about my body and accepting of my flaws but my sun induced tache I really loathe.

I literally cake on the foundation as I have otherwise porcelain skin!

Hmm not feeling so hopeful now! Mine doesn't seem too noticeable other than in certain lights and I seem to be able to conceal it further with a bit of Benefit erase paste so I'm hoping I can stop it getting any worse. Glad you've found a (bizarre!) effective way of covering yours tiredgal. Why does motherhood have to be so unglamorous?!

If anyone does have money and inclination to spend on products, I would recommend Kiehls, they have a few dark spot reducing products that I saw a difference with - they are generous with samples, so you can try for a week or more. And vitamin C too - Body Shop has a range, among others.

I get great results with a holland and Barrett cheapy.
It's strong though, can dye your hair if it goes into contact

I've still got it and last DS is 8 now. it fades in winter but always comes back when I catch the sun.

High factor sun cream and not worrying about it too much work for me! I don't wear make up anyway (except for a bit of eye shadow & lip salve if I'm going out!) and so wearing something to cover it up seems like too much of a faff.

I just look like a 42 year old grubby urchin for most of the summer months

Gah I have really noticed it this year (my DTDs are 9!!). Forehead looks grubby on one side and there are marks over the lower part of my face. I try not to worry too much but despite the ton of sun cream all year round it is still there. Does fade in winter I agree. I may have a fringe cut in...